Women in their reproductive period face many challenges and problems. We can all agree it’s not easy to be a woman. And just when the reproductive phase is over, menopause occurs like “the cherry on top” whit its symptoms and problems. Every month, we successfully fight small battles with our hormones and all the things they cause. That is why it’s difficult but also a privilege to be a woman and to know naturally how to deal with all this throughout your life.
One of the things that can disrupt our life is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
To determine if you have the condition, you need to experience at least two symptoms of PCOS, which we will discuss below. Also, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist who will establish a PCOS diagnosis after the required tests and exams prove to be positive.
Dr. Stefan Novac is a gynecologist with whom you can talk about this topic and who can help you deal with this problem. Do not hesitate to ask him about everything you are interested in regarding PCOS. Feel free to schedule your appointment with him at ACE OBGYN in Pembroke Pines, FL, to resolve any concerns or find a way to resolve your issue.
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common among women between puberty and menopause. It is estimated that it affects between 5-10% of the female population. We call it a syndrome because it may show a large number of symptoms at the same time.
The ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which we often call “female” hormones, but the ovaries also produce “male” hormones – androgens.
Polycystic ovaries produce more androgens, and in women with polycystic ovaries, menstrual bleeding is irregular and sometimes may even last longer. Due to all the above, regular egg production and regular ovulation are disabled because a whole set of fluid-filled follicles is created on the ovaries and releasing hormones in the blood that will make the brain think that a new mature egg is on its way into the ovary.
PCOS is critical to be treated in women planning to conceive because they may have problems with it due to irregular cycles and anovulation (no ovulation happening).
It has not yet been determined what exactly causes it. Some of the known factors that can affect the occurrence of PCOS are:
- Increased insulin levels – insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Thanks to it, our cells use sugar as energy for our bodies. Blood sugar levels rise if the cells become resistant to insulin. Then our body produces even more insulin, which affects the increased production of androgens. In this case, women will have problems with ovulation.
- Low-grade inflammation – white blood cells fight infections in our body. Polycystic ovaries, in this case, produce more androgen hormones, which adversely affect the heart and blood vessels.
- Genetics – research has shown that there is a hereditary factor for the development of the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- Excess androgens – if the ovaries produce more androgens than usual, hirsutism and acne may occur.
Signs and Symptoms Of PCOS
The signs of PCOS vary from woman to woman, but medicine has identified several symptoms that indicate the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Symptoms of PCOS usually appear during the first few periods, but they can also occur later
PCOS symptoms may be:
- Irregular menstrual cycles – if your cycle is not regular (you have less than nine periods a year) or you have heavy periods.
- Excess androgens – manifested by excess hair on the face and body, severe acne, and baldness, similar to men.
- Polycystic ovaries – the ovaries are enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs, so they do not function normally.
Usually, women call a doctor when they notice that they have a problem getting pregnant, but you should not wait for that to happen. If you recognize any of the listed signs of PCOS, especially if you are experiencing two or all three, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome. You need to contact a gynecologist who will perform the necessary tests to establish a diagnosis.
PCOS Diagnosis
Your appointment with a gynecologist to diagnose PSOC will probably begin with a conversation. Your gynecologist may ask about your medical history, your family medical history, your menstrual cycles, your life habits, your diet, and your weight changes. You should also prepare and think about the questions you want to ask the doctor.
After the interview, the doctor will perform a physical exam to see if there are visible signs of PCOS, such as increased hair growth or acne.
Then, the gynecologist will suggest more detailed exams and tests such as:
- Pelvic exam to notice, by hand and visually, whether there are changes or abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
- A blood test to determine hormone levels and rule out conditions in which symptoms are similar to PCOS. Also, the doctor may want to check the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and the glucose (in)tolerance test.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves of transvaginal ultrasound (placed in your vagina) are transmitted to a screen. This way, the doctor can see the condition of your ovaries and uterus.
There is no particular test for the diagnosis of PCOS. However, it is possible to determine it based on the symptoms and the exams.
PCOS Treatment
When PCOS is diagnosed, it is necessary to find the proper treatment. Depending on the symptom of PCOS (acne, increased hair growth, obesity, infertility), the treatment of this syndrome is set individually according to needs.
Depending on your condition related to polycystic ovary syndrome, treatment may include:
- Weight loss – improves your condition, the effectiveness of medications, and even positively affects fertility.
- Medications to regulate the menstrual cycle – combined contraceptive pills or progestin therapy are most commonly used for this PSOC symptom.
- Medications that help ovulation – clomiphene (an antiestrogenic drug taken in the first half of the menstrual cycle), letrozole (for the treatment of breast cancer and also stimulates the ovaries), metformin (a drug for type 2 diabetes – lowers insulin levels), gonadotropin (in the form of an injection).
- Remedies to prevent excessive hair growth – to reduce excessive hair growth, your doctor may recommend spironolactone (which blocks the effects of androgens but should not be used during pregnancy), eflornithine (a cream to slow down facial hair growth), electrolysis (damages and destroys the hair follicle) and contraceptive pills.
PCOS Complications
If PCOS is diagnosed, your doctor may recommend additional tests. These tests are done to prevent complications.
Complications due to polycystic ovary syndrome may be:
- Infertility
- Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure caused by pregnancy
- Miscarriage or premature birth
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (severe inflammation of the liver)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Endometrial cancer
- Sleep apnea (obstructive type)
What Can I Do?
Although it is unknown why ovarian cysts appear, neither polycystic ovaries nor polycystic ovary syndrome, it is still possible to do something for yourself and your body. By changing unhealthy habits, you can change your lifestyle and positively affect your health and the signs of PCOS in this case.
Here are some of the effects that can improve your general condition:
- Maintaining a healthy weight. It should be noted that any symptom and complication of PCOS can be even worse if you are overweight. This is just one of the many reasons why you need to maintain q healthy body weight.
- Reduce carbohydrates in your diet. Eating too many carbs and simple sugars increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- Exercise. Physical activity helps lower blood sugar. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels, so there will be no insulin resistance or diabetes, and it is also helpful in maintaining body weight.
The Bottom Line
Polycystic ovary syndrome is common among women, but it does not mean that it should be neglected, and you should not consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms. On the contrary, if PCOS is detected and diagnosed on time, it is more likely that you will prevent most of the symptoms of it
Feel free to request an appointment at ACE OBGYN with dr Stefan Novac, and we will do our best to find a solution to your problem.